Things to Do

Annual Events in Princeton NJ

Porchfest, April

Porchfest is a walkable music festival where neighbors offer up their front porches as DIY concert venues. Talented local performers play rotating sets throughout the neighborhood during this day-long celebration of music, art, and our wonderful community. Stroll from porch to porch to enjoy live, local talent!
Porchfest is free, open to the public, and designed to be easily accessible by foot and bike. Plus, town is full of amazing options for lunch, dinner, and drinks.

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY P-rade, May

Princeton University has its own unique tradition called P-rade. Each year, the day before the commencement ceremony, there is a parade of Princeton alumni in colorful costumes. The parade begins at the FitzRandolph Gates, weaves through campus and marches down Elm Drive to a finale at Poe-Pardee Field. You never know who you might see parading or who you might see in the crowds.

The Princeton Festival, June

The Princeton Festival is the premier summer program of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO), a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization based in Princeton, NJ. Since 2005, The Princeton Festival’s annual season has offered a multi-genre festival of the performing arts, including fully-staged operas, musical theater, jazz, chamber music, symphonic concerts, piano, organ and vocal recitals, dance, world music, and a piano competition.

Flag Day, June

Princeton Township Hall
Sponsored by the "Spirit of Princeton"

Morven's Fourth of July Jubilee

Join the commemoration this Independence Day as we reflect on history, civic engagement, and community at the museum's annual Fourth of July festival. We'll celebrate with live music, family-friendly activities, crafts, tours of Morven's gardens, food trucks, and more. Free and open to all.

APPLE DAY FESTIVAL AT TERHUNE ORCHARDS, September

Fill your day at Terhune Orchards with your favorite farm activities - wagon rides, pony rides, face painting, pumpkin painting, make your own scarecrow and more. Terhune Orchards grows the best apples and pumpkins, so Pick-Your-Own this weekend. Our own Corn Stalk Maze and adventure barn with an annual theme make the visit fun for the whole family.

Hometown Halloween Parade, October

Downtown Princeton
FREE
Meet at Witherspoon Plaza (next to the library) and then, follow the Princeton University Band in a parade to Palmer Square, where the festivities will continue with games and treats on the Green in front of the historic Nassau Inn. Stick around for scary ghost stories, if you dare. Fun for all ages! Don t forget to wear a costume!

El Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead Festival, November

Princeton Shopping Center Courtyard
FREE
Celebrate El D a de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, with the Arts Council and the Princeton Shopping Center. A traditional Mexican holiday, El D a de los Muertos commemorates the lives of friends and relatives who have passed with elaborate decorated altars in their honor, festive music, and delicious food. Join the Arts Council for live music, hands-on art workshops, and lots of fun!

HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon, November

Iconic course located entirely in the heart of historic Princeton. Run through Princeton Battlefield, Institute for Advanced Study, past the home of Einstein, Princeton University, the Princeton Boathouse on Lake Carnegie Westminster Choir College, Mount Lucas and Herrontown Woods. The HiTOPS Princeton Half is HiTOPS’ largest fundraising event of the year and supports our important work. HiTOPS empowers young people with sex education, social support and communities that affirm them.

Veteran's Day, November

Veteran's Monument on Mercer Street
Sponsored by the "Spirit of Princeton"

Tree Lighting Ceremony in Palmer Square, November

In Princeton, the day after Thanksgiving, commonly known as "Black Friday," is never quite as exciting as it is on television. But it is a special day for other reasons in Princeton, where retailers and restaurateurs alike enjoy throngs of crowds coming out to participate in the annual Palmer Square tree lighting.

Annual Menorah Lighting, December

Join the Princeton area community and friends from The Jewish Center of Princeton for the Annual Menorah Lighting each December at Palmer Square. It has been a tradition for many years to celebrate Hanukkah in Palmer Square and we invite everyone to join us for this ceremonial festivity. There will be great music, and great fun!

PRINCETON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, December

Holiday POPS! Annual Family Holiday Concert
Richardson Auditorium
Open your first present of the holiday season when the Princeton Symphony Orchestra strikes up a perfect afternoon of holiday favorites, great symphonic classics, and the annual sing-along.